ReCrystallize Server — Frequently Asked Questions

How does ReCrystallize Server work and how will it help me make my Crystal Reports available on the web?

ReCrystallize Server works with your existing Crystal Reports .rpt files.  After installing ReCrystallize Server on your IIS web server, you can set up a simple web link for users to view reports with current data.

If a report uses parameter prompts, it will prompt the user similarly to the parameter prompts in the Crystal Reports designer.  If you prefer to pre-set the parameter values so that users are not prompted, you can include the value in the web link or POST it from your own web form.  See the Installation and Administration guide for more details.

Who should use ReCrystallize Server?

ReCrystallize Server is for anyone who wants to make Crystal Reports available for viewing in a web browser. End users will find the report viewing experience very intuitive and should require little or no training.  It works standalone or can be easily called from your own app to integrate reports.  Additionally, ReCrystallize Server can print, email or export reports from a command line, batch file, script, or your own app.

Will ReCrystallize Server work with my database?

ReCrystallize Server is tested primarily with the SQL Server and Oracle databases but, like Crystal Reports, it can use data from most sources such as Access, FoxPro, or even your web server's file system or logs. You can use any ODBC data source or Crystal Reports' native database drivers.

Will users be able to see or override database login information?

Database passwords are configured and used entirely on the server. Login details never leave the server, so users will not be able to observe or change these values.

What are the system requirements for ReCrystallize Server?

Windows Server (recommended for production use) versions 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012, or 2008 R2.

Windows (recommended only for development and testing) versions 10, 8.1, 8, 7, or Vista Business, Enterprise, Professional, or Ultimate Edition with the IIS web server feature installed.

2 GB RAM minimum recommended
1 GB available disk space
Dual-core or better Intel or AMD processor

Will my web server need access to my database?

Yes, in order to run reports with current data, your web server PC will need to be configured for access to your database. To report from an ODBC data source, for example, you would create an ODBC System DSN.  If your database requires client software such as the Oracle client, it will also need to be installed and configured on the web server.  If you only wish to run reports with saved data, no database connection is required on the web server.

Why would I use ReCrystallize Server instead of or in addition to Crystal Reports Server?

ReCrystallize Server often provides a simpler, more cost-effective solution. You can customize your report web pages to blend seamlessly with the other content on your website.  Most users will know at a glance how to set report parameters and view a report.  Making your web reports easy to use avoids the need for costly end user training and support.

ReCrystallize Server provides a less complex, more cost-effective option when you don't need all the capabilities that Crystal Reports Server provides.

Please contact us if you are unsure whether you should use ReCrystallize Server or Crystal Reports Server and we'll recommend the best option to meet your requirements.

Can I control access so that only certain users see reports?

Yes, simply turn on standard IIS web authentication from ReCrystallize Server's web.config file (see the administration guide) or from IIS Manager.  Then allow or deny Read permission for your report files and folders through Windows Explorer.  Users will be logged in by IIS and will be able to see only those reports and files for which the user or group has Read access.

How many users can view reports on the web if I use ReCrystallize Server?

There is no licensing limitation on the number of users who can view reports on the web. The practical limit on simultaneous web users will vary depending on the speed of your web server and database, the complexity of your Crystal Reports, and how frequently users make requests.

The largest factor in determining overall performance and the number of web users you can support is the time required for your database to run the queries in your Crystal Reports, which will be about the same viewing reports on the web as when refreshing report data in Crystal Reports.

How is ReCrystallize Server licensed? How many ReCrystallize Server licenses do I need?

ReCrystallize Server is licensed on a per-machine basis.  One license is needed for each machine, virtual or physical, where you install and run ReCrystallize Server.

Do I need any additional licensing for web users with ReCrystallize Server?

ReCrystallize Server is licensed without regard to the number of web users who will view reports.

Which versions of Crystal Reports work with ReCrystallize Server?

ReCrystallize Server is supported with reports created using Crystal Reports XI, XI R2 / 11.5 / 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2020.

Reports created in Crystal Reports versions 7, 8.0, 8.5, 9, and 10 are likely to work with ReCrystallize Server, but these older versions are not fully supported.

Can ReCrystallize Server run reports automatically on a schedule?

ReCrystallize Server does not currently include report scheduling capabilities. We recommend CrystalKiwi Scheduler for report scheduling. If you have any questions about how best to meet your report distribution and/or scheduling requirements, please contact us for a recommendation.

Which web browsers does ReCrystallize Server support?

ReCrystallize Server works with most web browsers including Chrome, Internet Explorer, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.  Reports may also be viewed on most mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Android.

Can I pass parameter values to my reports directly from a link or my own application?

Yes, the ReCrystallize Server accepts parameter values as part of the URL (HTTP GET) or from your own HTML form (HTTP POST).  Please see the Installation and Administration guide for details.

Can I include Crystal Reports in another web page?

Yes, you can easily include reports using a standard HTML iframe.

Can I view my Crystal Reports in SharePoint?

Yes, you can easily set up reports as Web Parts so that they are included in a SharePoint page.